Letter to the editor: Rep. Leslie Rossi is not demonstrating leadership

Rep. Leslie Rossi, please demonstrate some leadership (“Westmoreland Co. lawmaker offers to help with vaccine exemptions as covid-19 infections surge.”

Covid-19 cases and deaths are rising. Consider these headlines:

• “Excela reopens Unity testing center in response to rising covid-19 numbers.” The article reports that on Dec. 10, a record number, 747 cases, were reported in Westmoreland County.

• “Covid cases create ‘desperate’ situation at Westmoreland hospitals.”

• “Deaths in the United States surpass 800,000” (Dec. 15, The New York Times).

Broadway is canceling performances; the NFL and NHL are canceling games. Delta still ravages, Omicron can reinfect those who have already had covid, and those who are unvaccinated serve as incubators for the next variant.

Meanwhile, your own newsletter actively encourages constituents to avoid vaccination. This, despite reporting in The New York Times that the greatest number of covid deaths are occurring in heavy Trump-supporting counties. In other words, among those who voted for you!

I challenge you to educate with a new headline: “Severe illness and death are avoidable through vaccination.” Inform your constituents with science, because those who voted for you are among the most likely to suffer and die.

Are you a leader, Rep. Rossi?

Helen Sitler

Ligonier